Logic Unlocked: The Modern Student’s Guide to Classical Arguments

Logic Unlocked: The Modern Student’s Guide to Classical Arguments has an approach to logic which cannot be found in any other textbook: introductory logic concepts are illuminated through excellent examples found in classical ancient texts. The book’s logic curriculum is built upon arguments which have engaged minds for thousands of years–arguments by Socrates, Sophocles, Aristotle, Cicero, and more. For example, Lesson 6 explores a portion of the funeral oration Pericles made to Athens one year into the Peloponnesian War. In this speech, Pericles defined what a democracy is and what it is not. From this text students learn the terms: proposition, affirmative statement, negative statement, and bandwagon fallacy. They also read Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and see how these two funeral orations are connected. As they learn logic through this lens, students are at the same time strengthening their understanding of ancient history as well as the language arts skills of reading literary fiction and non-fiction. It’s an approach to learning logic that is, well, entirely logical! Suitable for students new to logic, grades 7-12, each lesson in Logic Unlocked features: A colored historical illustration to add context and interest. A full-page colored sketchnote, providing an engaging visual representation of concepts taught. Pertinent historical information, an excerpt from a primary source text, and a summary of the excerpt. Relevant logic terms explained through references to the excerpt. The scope of the terms covers the basic essentials of formal, informal, and material logic, as well as rhetoric. An applicable fallacy highlighted, explained and connected back to the excerpt. An extension section which links lesson concepts to modern day life or explores them in a new way. Built-in questions which provide opportunities to practice logic skills and respond critically to higher-level inquiries. A self-teaching approach appropriate for classroom instruction or independent homeschool learning.